Weymouth and Portland witnesses sailing history

This news article was published under
the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Team GB’s Sailing team has a historic day by the seaside.

Ben Ainslie made sailing history in Weymouth and Portland yesterday by winning a gold medal in the Finn class to become the most successful Olympic sailor of all time.

Olympics Minister Hugh Robertson, who joined thousands of spectators on the Nothe to watch the action, described it as “an incredible achievement”.

Ainslie’s gold built on the earlier silver medal success of Iain Percy and Andrew Simpson. The Minister said: “The atmosphere on the Nothe was tremendous and has proved that sailing makes an excellent spectator sport.”

Mr Robertson also visited the Weymouth and Portland Live Site, which was at full capacity as thousands turned up to watch the sailing, tennis and athletics on the big screens.

He then dropped into the seaside Sports Arena to see “legacy in action” with National Governing Bodies providing taster sessions and information about a wide range of sports to inspire the next generation of Olympians.

Mr Robertson said: “We have all seen the images of sunny Weymouth and Portland looking fantastic on the TV. It was good to come here today to experience the festival atmosphere - it is a tremendous place for all the family. The Borough has gone the extra-mile to bring a real sense of celebration and occasion to the town.”